Pow wow time in Tennessee

[UncleJak]

Today and last weekend, we went to some pow wows. If any of you guys haven't been..you need to go! Great food, great dancing, and fun times.

Sent barefoot from the hills of Tennessee

[RED333]

My wife is some part Native American, she has a good time.

[Guest nra37922]

Could I wear my Washington Redskins jersey there???

Edited October 20, 2013 by nra37922

[gun sane]

Not only are powwows fun, they're very educational about the first nations people.  We used to visit friends of the Dakota tribe a few years back and learned that not only do they have a rich history, they are very patriotic.  Most Native Americans serve with honor in the armed forces since it appeals to their warrior traditions and their relationship to the land and its protection.  The regalia (don't call them costumes) the dancers wear have significance.  Your interest in the designs and decorations may earn you an explanation if you ask about their meaning respectfully.

 

On our very first South Dakota visit years ago, our friends invited us to join them at a memorial gathering for a member of a tribal family who had served in World War 2.  They danced and sang songs in the Dakota dialect about his exploits and honest character as a loving husband, father and devoted helper to the community.  It is the Dakota tradition to give gifts to those who attend the memorial as a token of their appreciation that you set aside time to come and honor their departed loved one.

 

Imagine our surprise when they called my wife and I to come forward and receive a handmade blanket and another expression of their gratefulness that we attended the service.  Through our friend, the family learned we were visiting and wanted to welcome us to their culture.  Their kindness was extremely significant because the family was not wealthy, but gave lavishly of what they had.  How many of us in the wasichu (white man) culture would do the same?

Edited October 20, 2013 by gun sane

[gunwhatgun]

Where are these held? Are they open to the general public?

[UncleJak]

Where are these held? Are they open to the general public?

this latest one was at long hunter state park. It's open to the public and is around 5-6 dollars admission.
Last weekend was in adams Tennessee. There's also one in mount juliet. I prefer the fall ones because they usually have better weather.

Sent barefoot from the hills of Tennessee